I don’t have experience with either of these. However, to get kids interested in landscape architecture, I have found that getting them involved in actual projects piques their interest. Luckily, I am a teacher with a roomful of fifth graders. Last year when they were fourth graders (I keep them 2 years) they helped prepare the final touches on our school memorial. They had also designed a landscape for the back of the kindergarten yard and presented their ideas to the teachers. I was so please with their thoughtfulness.
Last month we had a mulch day to protect our natives in the memorial. On their own, kids now check the soil moisture in the memorial, weed while waiting for parents, suggest ideas for the playgrounds, and stake trees that seem like they need it.
When children have responsibility for something that people actually use, they rise to the occasion. When they see results of their work, they feel empowered. I know that some of these kids will someday at least consider landscape architecture as a vocation. Deborah Christman
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